The Women’s Sports Foundation’s 32nd Annual Salute to Women in Sports was a huge success last night. One of the biggest highlights was USA Soccer’s Abby Wambach taking home the Winner of the Sportswoman of the Year Award for a Team Sport. But she wasn’t the only winner last night, because everyone in attendance won in some way or another. Northwestern star, Kristen Kjellman, was also in attendance. Below are images of her on the red carpet, as well as the Grand March of Athletes follwed by a recap of the night.

East Meadow, NY (October 19, 2011) – Tonight at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) honored the most accomplished women in sports and the girls they inspire with ESPN’s Bonnie Bernstein as the host of the 32nd Annual Salute to Women in Sports Awards Gala. WSF Founder Billie Jean King, WSF President Laila Ali, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre and Academy Award-winning actress Holly Hunter were among the high profile attendees alongside notable athletes such as Venus Williams (Tennis), Maya Moore (Basketball), Mallory Weggemann (Swimming), Michelle Kwan (Figure Skating), and members of the 2011 U.S. Women’s National Soccer team.

“It is remarkable to have this many influential, powerful and strong women in one room – there is really no other event that compares to the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Annual Salute,” said Women’s Sports Foundation Founder, Billie Jean King. “I am so proud of every single one of these women and the great success they have accomplished thus far.”

The event kicked off with the Grand March of Athletes, an annual tradition of the event, in which iconic swimmer, Diana Nyad, leads some of the world’s best female athletes across the stage. Tonight’s event also highlighted the extensive work the Women’s Sports Foundation is doing to celebrate the upcoming 40th anniversary of Title IX, a law which ensures equal access to both boys and girls in federally-funded educational programs and activities. Women’s Sports Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kathryn Olson, asked event attendees to participate in “Get Your Game On, Girls!” the WSF’s call to action to encourage everyone to get in the game in support of girls’ and women’s sports, and to help keep the promise of Title IX alive.

“The Annual Salute really encompasses the mission of the Women’s Sports Foundation. We want to provide ample opportunities for young girls to get involved in sports so that they too can someday be honored for their talent, strength and perseverance,” said Women’s Sports Foundation Chief Executive Office, Kathryn Olson. “The extraordinary women featured at this event serve as role models for future female athletes, and that is something that truly deserves a celebration.”

Women’s Sports Foundation President and world class athlete Laila Ali took to the stage with two young girls from the Foundation’s GoGirlGo! program, to applaud the next generation of young athletes. “I am so proud of the work of the Women’s Sports Foundation and could not be more honored to play a part in their contribution to women in sports,” said Women’s Sports Foundation President, Laila Ali. “Women in sports are a force to be reckoned with and the Women’s Sports Foundation has united that force tonight.”

The Pac-12 Conference was recognized with a special tribute during the evening’s festivities for being a leader in athletic excellence and for providing rich opportunity for women in sports. The 2010-11 season marked the 25-year anniversary of women’s sports in the conference.

About Women’s Sports Foundation
The Women’s Sports Foundation, founded in 1974, is the leader in promoting sports, health and education for girls and women. With Billie Jean King as its founder and ongoing visionary, the Women’s Sports Foundation continues to have a profound impact on female athletics, from its vigorous advocacy of Title IX legislation to providing grants and scholarships, grassroots programs for underserved girls, and groundbreaking research. An agent for change, the foundation has relationships with more than 1,000 of the world’s elite female athletes and is recognized globally for its leadership, vision, strength, expertise and influence. For more information, visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.